Friday, July 29, 2011

1. I love the my niece has learned to say Auntie and I love you. It sounds more like "Ahnie" and "wulv-ewe", but regardless she still says those words and it makes my heart melt every time she does!

2. My family, I have the best family ever! They make me feel loved. I figured this is the types of pictures I can look forward to receiving from Vyla when she gets a bit older. Right now its just a bunch of scribbles, but regardless, I would rather display her art on my fridge than Picasso's.

3. When you get so excited for something that your heart feels like its too big for your chest! I don't think this feeling ever gets old.

4. An unexpected call from someone you love. Lately I've got back in contact with long lost friends, and spoke to those that I care about a little more frequently! It always makes me happy!

I hope you all have a delightful weekend! Play safe and enjoy each other!

Thursday, July 28, 2011

I just so happen to love hotels. I love seeing how they are decorated, and I love it when you find a super comfy bed. I ended up staying at the Podollan in Grande Prairie the other night. It was kind of a last minute decision, but it certainly was a nice surprise. I booked the room about 2 hours before I was supposed to check in. And I paid $114.00. (which is pretty reasonable for a room up here) Anyways, this is what my room ended up looking like:
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The extra huge living room

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The perfect king size bed (with a memory foam mattress)

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The hugest bathtub ever! I couldn't resist getting up super early just so I could use it before my flight

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The ledge above the sink was perfect for all of my bathroom stuff, without getting in the way!

﻿ If you guys are up in the area, I highly recommend this place! The room is apparently quit a bit more expensive than what I payed for it, but by booking last minute you never know what you might get... you could end up with a great deal like I did!

Sunday, July 24, 2011

I don't know what my little obsession with cupcakes or muffins is lately. I guess I just wanted to perfect it. I was reading through a magazine and found a recipe... I guess thats what happens when you start reading a cooking magazine... I tweaked it a bit and here is my version of it.

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add bananas and let mixer mash them up (if not using a mixer, mash bananas before adding). Add vanilla.

In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Add the flour to the creamed mixture, alternating it with the butter milk (I put half the flour in, let it almost mix, put in half the buttermilk, let it mix, and continued another time until all the ingredients were used up). DON'T OVER MIX

Pour batter (which is nice and fluffy) into greased muffin tins (or a loaf pan) until 2/3 full. Bake @ 375F for 18-22 minutes. Cool for 10 mins before removing from pan to a wire rack.

Top with your favorite frosting and garnish as you would like. (I used a cream cheese icing, chopped walnuts, and made a pretty chocolate leaf for an earthy feel)

Friday, July 22, 2011

I have this overwhelming need to be good at everything I try. For example: My new camera. Here I thought just because I bought a good camera I was going to take perfect pictures. Well... much to my dismay. That isn't how things always work. I tend to give up when I get frustrated and just move on to something else. The camera though... its not happening!

I read so many blogs and their pictures are like something out of a magazine. So amazing!! I strive to be just as good. The one blog that inspires me the most just so happens to be called CLASSY & FABULOUS. El always has the most stunning photographs, so romantic and free spirited, and I'm always in awe!

Picture from: Classy & Fabulous

The coolest thing about photography is peoples different styles. Another blog I follow is Color me Katie . Her pictures are so full of life and her stories to go along are hilarious. There is something about this blog that just makes you have this happy-whimsical feeling! Another great read!

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Picture from: Color me Katie

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I've started to realize that a good picture is so much more than just pointing the camera and shooting. It's about Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO, blah blah blah. I started watching tutorial videos on youtube and I think I'm finally starting to get the hang of it! This is something I can't see myself getting "bored" of. There is so much to learn, and so many different things to capture, and right now I'm like a sponge... just soaking it up!

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

I walked out of a store the other day with a magazine I didn't pay for. I had put it under my purse so that it didn't get damaged by the heaping pile of groceries I planned on loading into my cart. I never moved my purse when I paid for my groceries and didn't think twice about it.

When I was done paying for my groceries I walked out to the truck, put all the groceries in the back and then grabbed my purse to put inside, so that I could return my shopping cart. When I lifted it up my purse I saw the magazine and I immediately felt terrible.

I fished my wallet out of my purse, grabbed the magazine and marched the cart back into the store. I went to the checkout I had paid for my groceries at and proceeded to tell the lady that I had accidentally walked out of the store without paying for the magazine, and that I would like to do so now. By the look on her face you'd have thought I had 3 heads. She was flabbergasted that I would even return to pay for this item that I could have just taken. After she realized I was serious, she thanked me for being honest.

The thing that gets me is, how horrible is it that people are utterly shocked when you do the right thing. And not only that, they have to thank you for doing the right thing. I just thought that being honest was expected. That it was part of life.

I mean I had full intentions of paying for the magazine when I put it in my cart, so why wouldn't I go back and pay for it after discovering my mistake? I could have easily celebrated my little victory of getting a "great deal" on something and driving out of the parking lot at break-neck speed, but how good would I feel knowing that it was stolen? It felt good doing what was right. The great thing is, leaving without paying for it didn't even cross my mind.

In a world full of dishonesty its good to know that I'm still honest. It makes me feel good at night to know that I still choose to do the right thing. Can you imagine how great our world would be if everyone just did their part and was honest and owned up to their mistakes? Regardless, every time I look for a recipe in the magazine I know that I made the right choice, and I feel good about who I am and what I stand for!

Monday, July 18, 2011

I found Golden Caviar Skin Care on Beyond the Rack while I was shopping awhile ago. I enjoy trying new products and was really hoping that I could find something that worked for me, and that I could continue using in the future.

I purchased their Glycolic Acid 10% Retexturizing Serum in hopes that it would do something for my skin. All I can say is this is a MIRACLE product*. Not only has it reduced the scarring I had from acne, it has evened out my skin, made it more radiant, and prevented further breakouts.

I immediately found their group on Facebook and joined. This morning I was pleased to have a chat during their chat session and asked about other products that would work for me. It was suggested that I try their Acne Treatment Gel and Aloe Toner. I put the two products (along with the above Glycolic Acid Serum) in my shopping basket and thought I'd check out what else they had. I discovered the Alpha Arbutin Cream and decided to purchase it as well because I just want to even out the color on my face. I'm so excited that I can hardly wait until my shipment comes! I can't wait to try the new products.

Have any of you ever heard of this line? Tried it? If you haven't and are having issues with your skin, I highly recommend that you take a look. It is well worth the money!

*The opinions expressed are my own and I am not affiliated with this company in any way. Just a satisfied customer that thought they would share this fabulousness with the rest of you lovelies!

Sunday, July 17, 2011

I decided to leave my office and go do something for a few minutes... (my hair and makeup). When I came back out from making myself all pretty I found this little love note smeared in mud across my window. (which as you can see is a bountiful commodity out here)

I know its not much fun to be away from home all the time but sometimes the guys out here, with their ridiculous antics, add a little sunshine to my day and make it a better place to be!

Saturday, July 16, 2011

A good friend of mine was rushed in for surgery the other day to have blood clots removed from her leg. After she reached recovery they figure the clotting started again and the doctors don't know why this is happening. If you could all pray for the Surgeon, that he discovers what is causing this. And pray for her too. Pray that things straighten out and she is able to keep her leg!

And to my little ray of sunshine, If you are reading this, I want you to know that we are all thinking about you and saying our prayers. Keep your chin up and think positive thoughts!

Friday, July 15, 2011

I always love a great cup of tea! Finding the perfect one isn't always easy. I bought the Lipton Island Mango Peach one last year and since then I've fallen in love with the rest of them (well not all of them) But these 4 are my favorite. I have to admit, the Orange Blossom, and the Mint Melon are my new favorites! If you get a chance to try them, make sure you do it!

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Yesterday I discovered that the lovely Cess over at THE OUTFIT DIARIES had passed along a blog award to me. Now Cess writes one of my favorite blogs. She's super cute, has great style, and always leaves the most wonderful comments! Make sure you stop by and check her out, because it is well worth the read!

Here are the rules:
1. Link back to the person who passed you the award2. Share 7 random things about yourself3. Award 15 blogs4. Drop them a note to tell them about it

My blog love is all over the place. I figured I'd give you all a good variety of things to check out! I love each and every one of these women for a different reason. They are all fabulous, and all deserving of this award! I know that 15 limits who I can give this award to, but for everyone else, give yourself a pat on the back, because I think you are equally as wonderful!﻿

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

After my post from yesterday I opened up my day timer only to discover my "QUOTES TO LIVE BY" list taped to the front inside cover. More than once this little beauty has been able to do a complete 180 on my attitude. I thought I'd share my list of inspiration with you:

"Be the kind of friend you want to have."

"Everyone is someone, make sure they feel like it"

"If our actions stem from honesty and kindness, then no matter what the result of our efforts, we have added something of value to our souls, and the world."

"The BEST is yet to come"

"Sometimes failures are simply opportunities to begin again, this time with more insight into what we really need to be successful."

"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success! If you love what you are doing, you will be successful." ALBERT SCHWIEITZER

"Everybody is a genius, but, if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will spend its whole life believing it is stupid." ALBERT EINSTEIN

"Attitudes have the power to lift us up or tear us down."

"People will forget what you do for them. People will forget what you said about them, but people will NEVER forget how you made them feel."

Obviously my goals for this year were to treat people better. Most of them have to do with my having a more positive attitude. I know we all have things that inspire us. What is the one saying (or 2, or 5) that inspires you? I hope you all have your cup full of sunshine today!

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

﻿ Ever get that uninspired feeling. Somedays I just have nothing to say. I'm thinking todays lack of creativity is due to the miserable weather. It has been raining here since Thursday, other than the 2.2 seconds of sunshine that I saw yesterday. Everything is ridiculously muddy and dreary and I'm ready for some actual summer weather.

I hope you all are having wonderful Tuesdays! Please wish some sunshine this way!

Monday, July 11, 2011

This morning I was doing some reading and came across a saying that really made me stop and think. "We are not put on this earth to please everyone". Have you ever stopped and thought about it? How many times have we sacrificed what we wanted just because somebody else didn't think it was a "good idea"?

I'm not saying that it isn't a good thing to put other people first. I do think part of life is pleasing others, but at the same time, where do you draw the line? Do you give up your hopes and dreams because someone doesn't exactly agree with the path you've chosen?

I've spent many days doing the "people pleasing". I've been made to feel bad about some of the decisions I've made. I think the worst thing about it is, is that it's the people closest to us are the ones that make us feel this way. The people that we look up to and respect. The ones that we would give up anything for, just so we could receive a little bit of acknowledgement.

The truth is, I need to do the things that make me happy. Whether it be my job, where I live, my relationships, what I wear, how I spend my money, what I do in my spare time. Just because I do things that aren't right for someone else doesn't mean that the things I "choose" to do are wrong. With that said, I'm not some sort of law-breaking hooligan. I realize I'm not perfect. I make mistakes. But then again, who doesn't?

The point of this is, live for you. Do the things that make you happy, and never apologize for that (unless you do something really really stupid!) And never let someone make you feel bad about something you are passionate about! The main person you should be on earth to please is...yourself.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

I had the pleasure of attending a friends wedding the other day. I don't know what it is about weddings, but I just love them! I do believe my love for them is less about my excitement about getting dressed up, and more about the happiness that is so evident between two people. I mean really? How many weddings have you gone to that are sad and depressing? (I've been to one, and I hope to goodness that I never have to go to a wedding that is akin to a funeral ever again!!)

﻿Anyways, here are a few pictures to share Crystal and Tyler's special day! (It is a little picture heavy, but who doesn't love pictures?!?!)

The sanctuary decor (done by my wonderful mother)

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Crystal being walked down the isle by her mom (My favorite thing about Crystal is always her facial expressions, and I think this one is the cutest ever!)

Friday, July 1, 2011

Today only really needs one Favorite! My favorite thing about it is that I AM PROUD TO BE A CANADIAN!

Now the best thing about being Canadian is being surrounded by a bunch of other equally fabulous Canadians. People who are proud to live in this great country! Seeing as how it is CANADA DAY today I thought I'd share some funny things that apply to most Canadians.

You know your Canadian if....

1) Driving in the winter is better than summer because the "pot-holes" are filled in with snow
2) You have "Canadian Tire" Money stashed somewhere.
3) We have ALL frozen our tongues to something metal and lived to tell about it
4) You've gone trick-or-treating in a blizzard
5) Effective "mosquito repellent" is a shotgun
6) Roll up the rim is the most exciting time of year
7)You know 4 seasons: Winter, Still Winter, almost Winter and Construction
8)You perk-up when you hear the theme from "Hockey Night in Canada"
9)You know what a toque is and you own one and often wear one
10)You understand the sentence, "Could you please pass me a serviette, I just spilled my bowl of poutine"!

Now for a little something fun. For those of you actually from Canada, you will appreciate this. For those of you who aren't from here, you might be a little confused, but with a little bit of though you might figure out some of these blunders. You might even find humor in some of these questions.

All Time Dumbest Questions Asked By Banff Park Tourists
Yes, they're ALL TRUE as heard at the information kiosks manned by Parks Canada staff!

1. How do the elk know they're supposed to cross at the "Elk Crossing" signs?

About Me

I wanted a place where I could share whatever happened to be on my mind. This is going to be full of random rantings and who knows what else. Thanks for stopping by! I can't wait to meet a bunch of wonderful new people!